Since Post 53’s inception in 1969, emergency medical training has been the organization’s primary mission. This includes training Post 53 Emergency Medical Technicians in addition to training Darien’s Police and Firefighters in First Aid and CPR. Post 53 takes pride that many of the aspects of its training programs have been adopted on a state and nationwide level. If you would like to take a course in First Aid visit the web site for the Darien Red Cross for scheduling announcements.

For Post 53 young adults, mandatory training begins the first day he or she is invited to join the membership (usually at 14 years of age). The extensive training continues throughout his or her four year membership. After 120 hours of classroom study and more than 20 hours of practical training, Post 53’s 16 year olds take the Connecticut State examinations for basic level EMT certification.

Adult volunteers undergo the same extensive training and make the same commitment required by the young adults. After taking the State of Connecticut examinations adults can achieve an EMT intermediate level of certification. This higher level includes invasive advanced life support procedures include: intravenous therapy, cardiac defibrillation usage and Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (PASG). All members of Post 53 have the opportunity to take additional courses to supplement their EMT training. They include: Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) and Pediatric Education for Pre-Hospital Providers (PEPP).

The Darien Police and Fire Departments receive their Emergency First Responder, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and EMT-Basic Recertification from Post 53 instructors making them an integral part of the Darien EMS team. This combination of intensive training provides Post 53 members and all of Darien’s emergency service providers with the highest quality of experience.